DMPS Multi-Tiered System of Supports Handbook Think. Learn. Grow. www.dmschools.org Table of Contents Summary of Work, Core Belief, Operational Definitions, and MTSS Work Team….........................……....3 Key Components………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……...6 Key Component #1: Well-Defined District/School Based MTSS Leadership Team………………..……....7 Key Component #2: A Tiered System of Instruction and Intervention………………………………..…….....9 Key Component #3: Evidence-Based Interventions……………….……………………………………………….....11 Key Component #4: Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making……….…….……………………..….…...13 Key Component #5: Technology to Support Instruction and Data Collection……………….....................15 Key Component #6: Ongoing Professional Development…………………………………………………...……...16 Key Component #7: Ongoing Program Evaluation…………………………………………………….…….….……..17 Key Component #8: Stakeholder Communication……………........…………………………………….….………...18 References........................................................................…........………………………………………………………....……....19 2 Summary As the Des Moines Public Schools strives to bring to life our vision of being the model for urban education in the United States, we have the opportunity to integrate strategies for teaching, intervening, and supporting our students in a way that will ensure they have the academic and behavioral skills necessary to be successful in the next stage of their lives. This opportunity, born of the convergent timing of our implementation of both Standards-Referenced Grading and the Instructional Framework, demands action. Capitalizing on such an opportunity means embracing and addressing the diverse needs of ALL students. This imperative reflects the reality that regardless of how effectively we develop and implement highquality curricula aligned with standards, some students will need additional support and interventions or extensions in order to be successful. Implementing the structures of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) will help ensure that all students have an evidence-based system of instruction to support them in achieving success. Our Multi-Tiered System of Supports is designed to enable schools to provide the appropriate level of instruction and intervention for their students. Using performance data and monitoring learning rates through MTSS, educators can make important instructional decisions to meet the needs of students of different backgrounds, learning styles, and levels of attainment. This is truly the next, critical, step towards personalizing learning for the students of Des Moines. The DMPS MTSS handbook outlines the key components of an integrated, multi-tiered system of instruction, interventions, and academic and behavioral supports needed by schools to help convert our vision into reality. Core Belief In order to achieve the mission of the Des Moines Public Schools, a comprehensive system of supports must be in place to ensure that all students are learning and achieving at high levels. 3 Operational Definitions Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS): An evidence-based model of schooling that uses data-based decision making to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and intervention. Tier 1 (Universal Core Instruction): Effective core instruction with differentiation for all students. Tier 2 (Targeted Interventions): Intervention, including enrichment and extension, for small groups of students with similar needs. Tier 3 (Intensive Interventions): Intervention, including enrichment and extension, that personalizes learning for students with highly specific needs. Balanced Assessment System: A comprehensive series of assessments that paint an accurate picture of students’ skills and understandings. The Balanced Assessment System is made up of five types of assessment: Universal Screening: Used to identify students who are not on track to meet or who already exceed an end-of-year expectation. Diagnostic: Used to identify individual students’ specific academic/behavioral needs. Formative (Embedded Classroom): Used to monitor student progress during instruction. Formative (Progress Monitoring): Used to identify students who are on track to meet benchmark targets. Summative (Outcome): Used to measure student achievement at the end of instruction. Data-Based Decision Making: A self-repeating, self-correcting, ongoing methodology for effective decision making School-Based Leadership Team: For the purpose of this document, this team represents the governing body for data-based decisions at the school level. Stakeholder: One that has an investment in the school. 4 MTSS Project Management A project management team was convened in the spring of 2015 to manage the initial definition of the MTSS project. This project management team released control to the District-Based MTSS Leadership Team (see Key Component 1) in summer of 2015. Project Sponsors • • Holly Crandell, Chief Academic Officer Matt Smith, Chief of Schools District MTSS Work Team This multi-disciplinary team of 22 members was responsible for subject-matter expertise, content creation, and directional guidance. • • • • Office of Schools and Heartland AEA Kathie Danielson (High Schools) Jake Troja (School Culture Transformation) Carlene Lodermeier (Heartland AEA) Susan Guest (Early Childhood) Curriculum and Instruction • Carlyn Cox (Elementary Teaching and Learning) • Noelle Tichy (Secondary Teaching and Learning) • Vinh Nguyen (ELL) • Anna Taggart (Elementary Math) • Cecilia McDonald (Secondary ELL) • Christi Donald (Secondary Math) • Cindra Porter (Elementary ELL) • Jeremy Schwennen (Secondary Literacy) • Lori Lyon (Reading Recovery) • • • • • • Special Education and Gifted/Talented Shelly Bosovich (Student and Family Services) Becky Curry (Middle School Special Education) Ed Pilkington (Gifted and Talented) Kathryn Cook (Elementary Special Education) Susan Geels (Elementary Special Education) Susan Hope (Secondary Special Education) Technology and Assessment • Cindy Slinger (Assessment) • Jake Welchans (Technology) • Jenny Inman (Technology) 5 Key Components of DMPS MTSS • Key Component #1: Well-Defined District/School Based MTSS Leadership Team • Key Component #2: A Tiered System of Instruction and Intervention • Key Component #3: Evidence-Based Interventions • Key Component #4: Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making • Key Component #5: Technology to Support Instruction and Data Collection • Key Component #6: Ongoing Professional Development • Key Component #7: Ongoing Program Evaluation • Key Component #8: Stakeholder Communication 6 Key Component 1: Well-Defined District/School-Based MTSS Leadership Team Purpose of Key Component 1: This component informs the development of strong and effective district- and school-based MTSS leadership teams. District-Based MTSS Leadership The primary function of the District-Based MTSS Leadership Team is to ensure that funding, professional development, infrastructure (e.g., data supports), and implementation supports (e.g., coaching, technical assistance) are available to bolster implementation of MTSS at school sites. Membership The District-Based MTSS Leadership Team is comprised of representatives from Curriculum and Instruction (including G/T, SpEd, ELL), Office of Schools, Heartland AEA, and school-based leadership teams. Roles and Responsibilities Ensure that a common language and common understanding exists around the rationale for and the purpose and expected outcomes of implementation. Clearly identify who has the responsibility for what and how those individuals will be held accountable. Ensure that district policies are supportive of, and not barriers to, the implementation of the model. Provide sufficient support (professional development, technical assistance) to ensure that the implementation plan and timelines can be achieved Identify clearly the district- and school-level leaders who will have implementation expectations as part of their annual performance reviews. Assist with articulating essential learning outcomes across grade levels and subjects. School-Based MTSS Leadership Team The primary function of a school-based leadership team is to ensure that school-level staff members understand the rationale for using MTSS and have the skills and supports necessary to make the system work effectively. The school-based MTSS leadership team may exhibit overlap with other school leadership teams. Membership The makeup of these teams should include representation from building administrators, department or grade level teams, instructional coaches and interventionists, specialized instructors (including G/T, SpEd, ELL), student support services staff (such as counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, etc.). The School-based MTSS Leadership team will identify a primary contact person. 7 Roles and Responsibilities Build consensus for the school’s mission of collective responsibility. Create a master schedule that provides sufficient time for team collaboration, access to universal core instruction for all students, targeted interventions, and intensive interventions. Support the use of the data-based decision making process. Continually monitor school-wide evidence of student learning. Maximize school-wide resources to support student learning. Implement the components outlined in the DMPS MTSS Handbook. 8 Key Component 2: A Tiered System of Instruction and Intervention Purpose of Key Component 2: This component defines each tier within our system of supports. These descriptors inform decisionmaking of services, rather than the labeling of students. Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Academics and Behavior Tier 3 Intensive Intervention Personalized to meet student needs Tier 2 Targeted Intervention For small groups of students with similar needs Tier 1 Universal Core Instruction Effective core instruction with differentiation for all students Tier 2 Targeted Intervention Enrichment and extension for small groups of students with similar needs Tier 3 Intensive Intervention Enrichment and extension, personalized to meet student needs The Diamond-Shaped Model of Supports It is imperative that the DMPS MTSS system accounts for the intervention needs of all students. The adoption of the diamond-shaped model emphasizes the need for targeted and intensive intervention for students that have needs that require additional instructional support beyond what differentiation in the classroom can provide. Access to supports on either side of the diamond is based upon a student’s needs, not a student’s classification as GT, SpEd, or any other label. 9 Tier 1: Universal Core Instruction for All Students Essential Ideas: Universal Core instruction in the Common Core grade-level standards is provided to all students. Universal Core includes language-based instruction for English-language learners and instruction for students receiving GT or special education services. Universal Core instruction includes differentiation of core instruction to address diverse student classroom needs. Meeting individual learning needs should not be interpreted to mean that struggling students should be given below-grade-level work if they are behind. Tier 2: Targeted Intervention Essential Ideas: Tier 2 instruction in the Common Core standards is provided to some students. Tier 2 includes more focused, targeted instruction, interventions and supplemental support. Tier 2 instruction is provided in addition to Tier 1 Instruction. Students in Tier 2 are assessed and their progress is monitored more frequently than those in Tier 1. Tier 2 instruction is initiated as soon as students demonstrate a need in grade level standards or behavior expectations. For additional guidance regarding the key characteristics of effective Tier 2 instruction, reference Key Component 3: Evidence-Based Interventions. Tier 3: Intensive Intervention Essential Ideas: Tier 3 is made available to only a few students. Tier 3 services should focus on the practice of skills and concepts that are spelled out in the Common Core standards for the students’ grade level. The instruction for these students may not be on grade level in this circumstance, but provides the personalized instruction needed for student learning. Increased time and intensity, narrowed instructional focus. Tier 3 instruction is provided in addition to Tier 1 instruction. For additional guidance regarding the key characteristics of effective Tier 3 instruction, reference Key Component 3: Evidence-Based Interventions. Specialized Staff Supporting Our MTSS MTSS is a system that connects students to vital supports for instruction. The role of all staff members in this system is to provide such supports in addition to, not in replacement of, their primary instructional responsibilities. For example: a special education teacher will implement specially designed instruction for students receiving special education services, but may participate in other roles within the MTSS system beyond those responsibilities, provided the needs of identified students are first met. If further clarification is required, please consult the school-based MTSS leadership team. 10 Key Component 3: Evidence-Based Interventions Purpose of Key Component 3: This component informs decisionmaking when selecting interventions. Defining Intervention An intervention is anything a school does, above and beyond what all students receive within Tier 1 (Universal Core Instruction) that helps a student succeed in school. This definition is inclusive of both Tier 2 (Targeted Intervention) and Tier 3 (Intensive Intervention). Intervention includes services provided to students who have not yet met or have exceeded grade level expectations. We are working to answer the questions: How will we respond when some of our students do not learn? How will we enrich and extend the learning for students who are already proficient? (DuFour et al., 2010). The key characteristics of interventions are as follows: Evidence-Based Defined as instructional practices and programs for which there is evidence that the intervention can work and/or is working for similar populations. This evidence can include internal action research conducted at the school site that has been reviewed and documented. Criteria for implementation of practices or programs are defined, achievable, and sustainable within the context and resources available (e.g. frequency of use, staff training, cost, technology). Any intervention selected for students in need of acceleration must provide more than one year’s growth. Directive For identified students, intervention must be mandatory and must happen during school hours. Administered by Trained Professionals Teacher licensure, endorsement and preparation must be aligned with student needs. We are working to answer the question: What does this child need, and who on our staff is best trained to meet that need? Timely School schedule and structure allows interventions to be reviewed and reconfigured or rescheduled frequently. 11 Targeted Interventions should be specific to the student, the academic standard or behavior, and the learning target. The intervention should address the specific skill or knowledge the student needs to develop. The following examples are designed to exemplify the need for targeted instruction. Student 1 has solid prior knowledge and skills and has performed well in algebra all year – she just does not “get” the way her teacher taught multiplying exponents. She does not understand why she is being asked to add the exponents when the skill is called multiplying exponents. To address the cause of her problem, she needs to be taught the concept a different way. Student 2 is struggling with multiplying exponents because he still does not know how to multiply. He should have mastered the concept in third grade, but he didn’t. To address the cause of his problem, he needs help in a prior, foundational skill. Student 3 has chronic absenteeism. She has no problem with learning when she is present for the lesson. Unfortunately, she sometimes misses multiple days a week. To address the cause of her problem, she needs help with attendance issues. Student 4 is an English learner. He is having difficulty understanding what the teacher is saying. Until he has had received more ELL instruction to build academic vocabulary, he will have difficulty learning how to multiply exponents. Student 5 is a quick leaner and loves science. They frequently get bored and disruptive by asking many in-depth questions while the rest of the class is reviewing/practicing core concepts. A unit pre-test shows that the student has a 99% mastery of core concepts in the current astronomy unit. The child needs a PEP that will make provisions for alternative learning opportunities which may include project-based learning. Student 6 has significant behavior problems. He is constantly off task, in trouble, in time out, in the office, or suspended from school. He has the skills and knowledge to learn the new concept, if he could behave long enough to stay in class. To address the cause of his problem, he needs behavioral support. Student 7 has been diagnosed with ADD. When being taught how to multiply exponents, she was fine on the first two steps of the process, but was distracted and lost track of where the teacher was in the remaining steps. To address the cause of her problem, she needs classroom strategies that help her stay focused. Note: Adapted from Simplifying Response to Intervention: Four Essential Guiding Principles, Bloomington: Solution Tree Press. Copyright 2012. 12 Key Component 4: Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making Purpose of Key Component 4: This component informs decisionmaking about students’ instruction and curriculum needs based on the collection and analysis of data. Data-Based Decision Making The Data-Based Decision Making process in MTSS is a self-repeating, self-correcting, ongoing methodology for effective decision making at all levels of the system and across all three tiers. Our Data-Based Decision Making model is comprised of the following: Collaborative Structure: Professional Learning Communities Schools rely on collaborative Professional Learning Communities to enable educators to make informed decisions based on accurate data. Data Analysis Process: Data Teams One function of a Professional Learning Community is use of a data teams protocol: analyze data, prioritize student needs, establish goals for learning, select common instructional strategies, and monitor results. This process should be used to articulate instructional decisions for both the universal core and intervention. The data gathered in interventions should be compared to identified entrance and exit criteria of the intervention to assure students are appropriately placed. Assessment System: Balanced Assessment System Our balanced assessment system provides a comprehensive picture of student performance. Universal screening assessments, diagnostic tools and progress monitoring data enable a continuous process of targeted instructional change. This system of assessments is depicted on the Balanced Assessment System table on the following page. Additional Services The student data collected throughout the decision-making process serves an invaluable role in the identification process for additional services. 13 Balanced Assessment System Secondary Examples Elementary Examples Broad Characteristics Purpose Type Screening Who has needs? Used to identify students who are not on track to meet an endof-year general outcome measure. FREQUENCY: Three times a year WHO: ALL students TIME: 1-5 minutes MEASURE: Established as valid and reliable to predict to end-ofyear general outcome measure RESULTS: Overall indicator of student performance USE: Results used to identify students who need additional support/intensive instruction Literacy FAST (K-3) SRI (4-5) SMI (3-5) CogAT (All) SRI (6-9) SMI (6-9) CogAT (Identified 6-7, 8-9) Diagnostic What are the needs? Used to identify individual student’s specific academic/behavioral needs. Assessment Descriptions Formative – Embedded Classroom Assessment How are students progressing? Used to monitor student progress during instruction. Formative - Progress Monitoring Is the instruction working for that student? Used to identify students who are on track to meet benchmark targets. FREQUENCY: Weekly WHO: Students identified as needing targeted or intensive interventions/supports TIME: 1-5 minutes MEASURE: Established as valid, reliable and sensitive to change to monitor progress RESULTS: Provides feedback to teachers and students about efficacy of intervention USE: Results used to change or adjust instruction FREQUENCY: As needed WHO: Students needing intensive intervention/supports in identified area TIME: A process (not a single test) that requires more time and larger sample of student behavior MEASURE: Convergence across data sources to understand student strengths and weaknesses RESULTS: Specific identification of student academic/behavioral needs USE: Results used to develop/identify appropriate instruction FASTT Math (3-5) TELPA (ELL K-12) – new students FREQUENCY: During/within instruction WHO: ALL students TIME: Varies – occurs during instruction MEASURE: Varies – measure matched to instruction RESULTS: Provides feedback to teachers and students about learning - what is and isn't mastered yet USE: Results used to change or adjust instruction during teaching/learning Classroom CFAs Grades 4-5 Tiered Bank Exit Tickets Fast Literacy K-3 Intervention-Dependent Tools (e.g. System 44) TELPA (ELL K-12) – new students Topic Tiered Assessments CFAs Exit Tickets Intervention-Dependent Tools (e.g. Achieve3000) Summative [Outcome] How well did the instruction work? Used to measure student achievement at the end of instruction. FREQUENCY: One time a year WHO: ALL students TIME: Varies – usually must longer than any other assessment MEASURE: Established as valid and reliable as a general outcome measure RESULTS: Overall indicator of student achievement in the area measured USE: Results used as an accountability measure reflective of general outcome, and indicate overall efficacy of instruction IELDA (ELPA) Iowa Assessment Comprehensive Standards Assessments (K-5 math, 1-5 literacy) Writing pre- and post-tests IELDA (ELPA) Iowa Assessments ACT Example assessments are those available district-wide. Additional assessments of each type may be available on school-by-school basis. This list is not intended to be comprehensive, and new assessment options are always under consideration. 14 Key Component 5: Technology to Support Instruction and Data Collection Purpose of Key Component 5: This component informs how the use of technology can provide a wide range of learning supports and structures to make sure that DMPS MTSS operates effectively and efficiently. Instruction Staff are selecting appropriate software systems that are personalized for the students (blended learning) and their academic needs. Software is used in conjunction with district curriculum to support learning targets. All students must have access to necessary technology. Software systems provide detailed reports of student performance and are accessed frequently by teachers to make informed instructional decisions. Data Collection A Student Information System supports data collection, identification, and progress monitoring of student needs to efficiently and effectively inform all stakeholders. Stores the following student information: universal screening, diagnostic assessments, progress monitoring data, and summative assessments Efficiently organize student assessment data Locate student schedules to ensure interventions are available during the school day Student information is accessible to relevant stakeholders for each student. Include teacher action data UNDER CONSTRUCTION Further development of this Key Component will occur in collaboration with School-Based MTSS Leadership Teams during the 2015-2016 school year. 15 Key Component 6: Ongoing Professional Development Purpose of Key Component 6: This component informs the professional development plan designed to ensure staff members have the knowledge and skills to implement DMPS MTSS with fidelity. In order to ensure fidelity and sustainability of MTSS implementation, all educators should receive initial and ongoing professional development so that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective core instruction and make data-based decisions about student progress in mastering concepts. The Implementation Rubric found in Key Component 7 serves as a reflective tool for guiding professional development needs at both the district and school level. Topics of Effective Professional Development What content is being taught, high-leverage strategies to teach the content, and the type of student work that demonstrates mastery of the content, as well as likely areas of student misconceptions and how to address them. How to implement a data-based decision making process. How to provide appropriate instruction and interventions. How to implement, evaluate, and support interventions for students. How to monitor progress, including collecting, displaying, interpreting, and using performance data to maximize the impact of instruction on student work and achievement. How to communicate and celebrate outcomes of the MTSS process. How to engage with parents and caretakers about the multi-tiered process, communicating ways they might support their children, and developing procedures for notifying parents and caretakers about student progress. UNDER CONSTRUCTION Further development of this Key Component will occur in collaboration with School-Based MTSS Leadership Teams during the 2015-2016 school year. 16 Key Component 7: Ongoing Program Evaluation Purpose of Key Component 7: This component informs the evaluation process used to monitor both implementation and outcomes of MTSS at the district and school level. The rubric that follows is only the evaluation scale for the first of the eight Key Components, and is intended to serve as an example of what the complete Implementation Rubric will contain. Key Component 1:Well Defined, Strong, and Effective District/School Based Leadership Team Not Using Beginning Developing Applying Innovating Roles and responsibilities are not yet in place. Roles and responsibilities are in the planning stage or not yet fully implemented. Roles and responsibilities are in place. o Consensus is built for the school’s mission of collective responsibility. o Master schedule is in place that provides sufficient time for Team collaboration Access to core instruction for all students Targeted interventions Intensive interventions. o A data-based decision making process is being supported. o A system is in place to continually monitor school-wide evidence of student learning. o School-wide resources are maximized to support student learning. o The Key Components of the DMPS MTSS Handbook are implemented. The majority of staff demonstrates a commitment to the MTSS by engaging in collaborative decision-making and facilitating the continuous monitoring of student progress to ensure all students’ needs are supported. All staff demonstrates a commitment to the MTSS by engaging in collaborative decision-making and facilitating the continuous monitoring of student progress to ensure all students’ needs are supported. UNDER CONSTRUCTION Further development of this Key Component will occur in collaboration with School-Based MTSS Leadership Teams during the 2015-2016 school year. 17 Key Component 8: Stakeholder Communication Purpose of Key Component 8: This component informs the development of a communication plan at the district and school level. Stakeholder Engagement Research and common observation show that parents’ engagement with their children’s schooling and the educators who work with their children has a significant impact on student progress – both academic and behavioral. The MTSS model should bring new information to parents, caregivers, and the community. The impact of the model on parent engagement should occur in two primary areas: communications; and the understanding and use of data. It is the responsibility of district- and school-based teams to ensure that parents understand that instruction occurs across three tiers, what the purpose of the tiered model is, what the services look like for their children, and how the tiers support core instruction. For the parent of a student who is suspected of having a disability, the school should communicate how the multi-tiered system provides instructional interventions quickly and how the parent will know if those interventions are effective. School staff also needs to assure parents and caretakers that the multi-tiered system is not a delaying tactic for referral or provision of special education services. Because MTSS is grounded in data-based decision making, the district and school should make every effort to ensure the parents understand what the data are, what they mean, and how they are used. The ultimate goal is to give parents the skills that they need to monitor their child’s process independently. Parents should be able to understand the current status and level of their child’s academic performance, what goal or performance level is being sought, the level of progress necessary to reach the goal, and the student’s rate of progress. Parents will better support and embrace interventions, regardless of their student’s current performance, if they have the information to tell them that their child will reach appropriate goals at some point in the future. In addition, the school district should establish guidelines—based on the tier of service delivery—for how frequently schools will communicate student progress results to parents. Note: Adapted from Simplifying Response to Intervention: Four Essential Guiding Principles, Bloomington: Solution Tree Press. Copyright 2012. UNDER CONSTRUCTION Further development of this Key Component will occur in collaboration with School-Based MTSS Leadership Teams during the 2015-2016 school year. 18 References Buffum, A., Mattos, M., & Weber, C. (2012). Simplifying Response to Intervention: Four Essential Guiding Principles. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press. Gamm, S., Elliott, J., Wright Halbert, J., Price-Baugh, R., Hall, R., Walston, D., ... Casserly, M. (2012). Common Core State Standards and Diverse Urban Students: Using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. Washington, DC: Council of Great City Schools. Iowa Department of Education. (2013). Response to Intervention: Key Components. Des Moines, IA: Author. 19
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